Photo courtesy of runDisney.com
Starting on January 7th, the 2015 runDisney year will be begin with it’s first event of the year, the WDW Marathon Weekend. It’s a fun-filled, event packed 4 days running through Walt Disney World. Runners come from all over the world to compete in one (or all) of the 6 race events held over the long weekend, starting with the Family Fun run 5k. For seasoned marathon runners, the avid Disney fans and the chEAR squads, runDisney has done an amazing job of having something for everyone at their events. It’s a great way to reward yourself for reaching an athletic goal, weight loss goal or to motivate yourself to get healthy. What better way to run your first 5k or 10k then surrounded by running princesses and photo ops with characters along the way?
Having personally run events at Walt Disney World, it’s a completely different experience than any other event I have run. It’s great motivation to keep me going, training hard and reaching my goals. Even the beginner runner can have a great time, just walking the race and enjoying being in the parks without the crowds. Since I have run these events and I really enjoy the whole atmosphere of them, we have teamed up with Couponing to Disney to bring “our” runners discounted rooms at most of the runDisney events. Please click here for a quote or more information about which events, the rooms and discounted tickets are available.
Here is the breakdown of the events for the upcoming weekend:
Thursday 1/8
Walt Disney World 5k – a 3.1 mile walk / run through Epcot for the entire family to enjoy.
Friday 1/9
Walt Disney World 10k – a 6.2 mile course winding through Epcot that is perfect for all skill levels.
Saturday 1/10
Walt Disney World Half Marathon – 13.1 thrilling miles through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, with a spectacular finish in the shadow of Spaceship Earth.
Sunday 1/11
Walt Disney World Marathon – The most magical race on earth ! 26.2 that will take you around the world. Your running adventure takes you through all four theme parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Walt Disney World Speedway.
Additional events for the weekend include:
Kid’s Races -From diaper dashes to the Mickey Mile, there is a race for all the younger runners.
Goofy’s Race – There is nothing goofy about this race! It combines Saturday’s half marathon with Sunday’s full marathon, and comes with it’s own special medal.*
Dopey Challenge – The ultimate endurance challenge is anything but dopey ! Taking part in all four days of events and all four races will earn you 48.6 miles around the world and along with a very Dopey medal.*
runDisney Health and Fitness Expo – A one stop shop for all your racing needs, bling, souvenirs and the coveted runDisney shoes by New Balance.
Pasta in the Park – A great way to carb load before your run the next day, while enjoying the scenery of Epcot and Illuminations.*
Breakfast – A great way to re-fuel after your run.*
Cool Down Party – A great way to celebrate with family and friends your accomplishments from the weekend. Enjoy great food, fun atmosphere and great music at Downtown Disney with all your fellow runners.
ChEAR Squad – Friends and family that want to be a part of the fun and excitement without racing have a chance to cheer for you. There are three packages available for your family and friends.*
Castaway Challenge – If running around Walt Disney World isn’t enough, there is the all new Castaway Challenge. After running a 5k or longer race during this event, you can board the Disney Dream and participate in the 5k on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay and receive a special medal for running both races.*
*additional fees apply
Are you planing on running during the WDW Marathon Weekend or another runDisney event?
Erin Benge has been a lover of all things Disney since she honeymooned there in 2001. Since then she has traveled there multiple times, enjoying it as honeymooner, a young couple, with small children and now as a DVC owner she travels with multiple generations. She has participated in runDisney events and is training for her first half marathon. Please feel free to contact her at 832-233-4468, via email at [email protected] or click here to request a quote.
No, I am not doing the WDW Marathon Weekend but I am doing the Princess Half Marathon Weekend where my mother and two sisters will be doing the Royal 5K. It is going to be our second year doing it. We first went in 2013. I love the Princess Weekend because it is always during my birthday!
Hi Jessica,
That was my first runDisney event as well and the reason I fell in love with the whole thing. I can’t wait til this year’s PHM weekend..Have you seen the new Disney New Balance shoes that were released today? ~Erin Benge